I wanted to start a thread for those playing through the game and finding the secrets or offering tactics that may help other players. A Tips and Tactics forum, since a walk-through really isn't possible.

We could also play the old forum screen shot game of "Where am I?"

General Ideas for the thread are: 1) Strategy to defeat bosses. 2) Tips to access secret areas. 3) Where to go for an easy 1up. 4) best path through a certain level.

Generally, what advice do you offer other people playing the game.

My first recommendation is "Don't Give Up" and make a backup save spot so you can revisit that area if you think you missed something.